Beverage Label Approvals (COLAs)

Labeling

Before you can manufacture or sell alcoholic beverages in the United States, they must be packaged and labeled in compliance with regulations enforced by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (the TTB). Then, you must get a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) for the label. For some kinds of beverages, the TTB must also approve the formula you use to manufacture the product itself. Although many of these regulations are for health and safety concerns, the TTB’s primary purpose is taxation. This means that some regulations are complex and counter-intuitive.

We work directly with you and your label designers to make sure the product you’re formulating is the right fit for your label and that your label is the right fit for your product. Then, we will apply for the COLA and, if necessary, formula approval, and work with TTB officials if there are any objections or irregularities with your project. We stand ready to provide whatever level of involvement is best for our clients.

Learn More

For more information on labeling regulations and approvals, see our resource pages: